The new batch of commissioners at the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) must work hard to build a culture of human rights in Indonesia, Amnesty International said on Monday (04/12). (Antara Photo/M. Agung Rajasa)

Jakarta. The new batch of commissioners at the National Commission on Human Rights, or Komnas HAM, must work hard to build a culture of human rights in Indonesia, Robertus Robet of Amnesty International Indonesia said on Monday (04/12).

"Komnas HAM has a great challenge ahead, to build a culture of human rights in Indonesia, one that's not just a state program but part and parcel of the country's sensibility," Robertus, a member of Amnesty International Indonesia's board, told reporters at a press conference in Jakarta.

According to Robertus, Indonesians still lack a "human rights sensibility," as evidenced by their rampant use of social media to humiliate and marginalize minority groups.

He said the commission also has its work cut out to rebuild its reputation, which has been damaged by "strong private interest" in the past and resulted in a series of poor performances.

"The previous batch of Komnas HAM commissioners was one of the worst," Todung Mulya Lubis, chairman of the Amnesty International Indonesia board, said.

The high-profile lawyer said the previous commissioners failed to investigate many human rights abuse cases during their term.

Established in 1993, Komnas HAM plays a key role in the protection and promotion of human rights in Indonesia.